Visitors!!

We had our first set of visitors come on out to Knoxville. First off we had Andy C. make the trek out and arrived here on the 10th. That night we took him to our favorite wheat bread pizza joint and had some good laughs and a tour of downtown. On Saturday we ditched our OU football club to get in a couple rides on the Pigeon. We figured Andy over the club, I think we made the right choice.

The Pigeon was a ball. We ended up getting two solid runs in and stopped for plenty of play. That evening we headed back to Knoxville and grab some food on the river downtown at Chalhoun's. Good food and a great day with the Andyman.

Sunday the three of us met up with Matt, Amanda, Dru, and Kaylin on the Hiawassee River. It was great to see some Okies again and the water was chilly and refreshing. This was our first trip on the Hiawassee and we really enjoyed it. It is a class I-II river with tons of places to play around and get comfortable with your boat. Great river access and dam fed! That evening, after our run, we parted ways with Andy (who was camping at the Nanty all week) and led Matt and Amanda back to our place.

The next morning we snuck out to work while Matt and Amanda slept in before their long drive home. I'm sorry we didn't get more time together but still glad that we got to hit the river with you two. Amanda, I am really impressed at how fast you're learning! I wish we could have been that quick.

All week we got reports from Andy and began making plans to meet him on the Upper Green on Friday the 17th. As we got closer to the time we realized that Friday there was not going to be a release. So we decided to hit the Ocoee instead. Once at the Ocoee we met up with Roy Teal, from AR. More Arkies! It was great to paddle with Roy again and the three of us had a ball running my sometimes decent lines.

About halfway through our run two more Arkies caught up with us. Scott and Carl had just made it in and were a great addition to the day. Great guys and awesome boaters. I enjoyed watching Scott throw that little boat around like a toy. Mine still seems to man handle me... oh well. That evening we grabbed a little food and Andy and I drove back to Knox.

Saturday we hit the Ocoee again. Me in a different boat, due to the crack in my old one. It again was a great day for a paddle and we ended up having one hell of a time. Sunday, you guessed it the Ocoee again!! Man we love this river. I think Julie even wants an Ocoee tattoo... just kidding. Great day again and a little shorter so that everyone could get on the road.

I want to really thank everyone that came out and paddled with us. We always enjoy taking people down river and also meeting new paddlers. I still have yet to paddle with someone that I really didn't like. Okay one guy in Canoe School, but that's it! Andy, thanks for staying with us and being such a good friend. Your positive attitude and insight was great to have around!

See you all again soon,
rt

p.s. I'll get some pictures in here this weekend!